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Hachiko Souvenirs at Last!
Taking home a momento of Hachiko is something very important to me. Yet, every time I returned to Shibuya Station, finding gifts was a treasure hunt. Except for some cookies, notepads and a few other times, I was left empty-handed.
On a Tokyo trip just before filming Hachi: A Dog’s Tale, I discovered some small metal statues at the National Museum of Science And Nature in Tokyo that displays Hachi’s stuffed body. It was like discovering gold, so I bought a dozen!
When I returned home, I gifted these precious treasures to my friends and family. The last one is displayed prominently on my living room table so that Hachi can be with me daily!
Finding Hachi Heaven
In 2016, I toured Asia for three weeks and my first stop was Tokyo. I headed straight for Shibuya Station to say “hello” to my buddy Hachiko. Each time, it’s a never-ending thrill to see the crowds vying to take pictures with the loyal Akita.
There’s a small archive of historic Hachi photos in the iconic green box car that’s located directly in front of his statue. Although it’s not marked as such, the “green frog” as it’s affectionately called, it acts as an information center. The staff is helpful and get lots of questions about Hachiko.
After taking a few photos with Hachi, the dark sky started to pour rain, so I headed into the adjacent Tokyu department store. Wandering around until the rain stopped, I found an area solely dedicated to everything Hachiko.
I hit the jack pot!
Overwhelmed with cute Hachi theme items, I couldn’t tear myself away. Of course, I left with bags of Hachi gifts for all his friends back home. No more door-to-door hunt to try and find anything dog related. This is the one-stop place to shop!
2018 Update:
My most recent visit was in late 2018 and the Hachi section of the Tokyu store was no longer there. I can’t understand why since: (1) Hachi items are in demand (2) The statue is right outside the front door. It took some time, but I did find some Hachi cookies in the vast food floor.
The National Museum of Science And Nature in Tokyo has an expanded section of Akita items. It’s where Hachi’s stuffed remains are on display, and where I originally found those first gift items — the small metal Hachiko statues. This time, I found a few tables of gifts items. With little time to shop, I piled a bunch of adorable Hachi stuffed animals onto the check-out counter.
While zipping in and out of shops the next day, I discovered lots of loot in Kinokuniya, a book store with eight stories of books, comics, stationary, magazines and other items. It’s located in the heart of Shibuya and is chock full of treasures.
When I returned home, I had an entire luggage filled with gifts. Mission accomplished!
Tip: just look for Akita items and not specifically Hachi items.
2020 Update:
The entire Shibuya business section is being modernized and is under construction. That branch of the Tokyu store is no longer there. In addition, the iconic “green frog” box car has been relocated to Odate, the birth place of Hachiko.
Hachi has left us all with such a powerful impression of loyalty and undying love. There’s nothing better than bringing some Hachi Love back home. When in Tokyo, let us know if you find any Hachi treasures! Good luck in your search…
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Vicki
The miniature stature of Hachi is priceless!
As always, as a fan of your website and as a devout admirer of Hachiko, thank you for your time and energy to keep this site going. We appreciate it.
We love Hachi is the best way to say it.
My two Shiba”s ,Sebastian & Copper are aging, but every day they remind me so much of Hachi. Loyal, full of surprises, and full of love.
The best to you in 2017 from all of us .
Bruce B
PS…Good for you for all those souvenirs!
Happy Holidays Bruce!
How wonderful that you’re able to celebrate another year with Sebastian and Copper. As my Hachi aged, our time became more meaningful and precious.
Our beloved animals may pass, but Hachiko stands at Shibuya Station as an eternal reminder of our deep love…
Cheers, Vicki
Lucky you, Vicki, to be able to visit Hachi in Shibuya and find such a treasure trove of wonderful Hachi souvenirs too (the statue is so precious). A very Happy New Year to you and all Hachi friends the world over!
Hi Stacey,
Many Hachi fans have asked about souvenirs, and I was pleased to discover such a wide variety. I can never get enough of Hachi!
Wishing you a Wonderful New Year! Vicki
Hi Vicki,
Your miniature Hachi statue is wonderful! And how nice that you found the Hachi souvenirs at Shibuya. Giantrobot.com at one time had Hachi enamel pins, but they are no longer listed, and I don’t know if they will have them back in stock or not. If you Google ‘Hachi enamel pin’ you should be able to see an image of the pin.
I always think of Hachi and his loyal devotion to the Professor. I am so grateful that you continue to keep the spirit of Hachi alive on this website and that there are many others who have been as moved as I have been by his story.
Happy New Year to you and all who love Hachi as I do!
Happiest New Year Ellen,
I’m always happy hearing from Hachi’s friends! It’s also gratifying to introduce Hachiko’s story to people for the first time. He continues to inspire people to be their better selves- patient, loving and steadfast… admirable in these challenging times.
Best, Vicki
About a month ago I saw a Dogs Tale w Richard Gere for the first time on late night television. Of course I could not stop crying over Hachiko. Even now when I pull up his extremely precious story I cry over him on the Internet & U-Tube. I had a little Beagle that truly loved my father. He was given to my Father shortly after he was born. His mother was hit by a car & died, so he had to be bottle fed. My father did that for him. They had a close bond. He was 12 years old when my Father past. His name was Spot. My Father died of heart failure he was in the intensive care unit for 24 hours before he past. That night when my Mother & I returned home Spot was howling so loudly jumping all around facing our back door waiting for my Father to open the door and come out. My Mother was so upset that she ran quickly inside to get a shirt that my father had last worn and gave it to him. He kept it close to him and would not let anyone near it. We had a good bit of property at the time so Spot stayed outside, he was a hunting dog & hunted w my Father and he was very protective of him. After my Father past he would never hunt with anyone else, again. Whenever someone tried to take him hunting he would walk a little way with them, but then turn and go back to the house. The shirt old, dirty, & disentigrading stayed with Spot until he died 11 years later. He was 23 years old. I felt that my Father was there with him when he died to take him home with him. I was younger when Spot died. After watching Hachi’s story, I know now the desperation Spot must have felt. I never got another dog, but have adopted and loved a lot of kitties! I believe each animal as humans have their very own story of love and devotion. This may sound different but after watching Hachi’s story. It confirmed to me that animals, as humans have souls. They are the purest love we will ever find and know in the world. I would love to know where I could get a picture and a souvenir of dear Hachiko. I will have a moment of silence for him on March the 8th.
Hi Carolyn,
I loved hearing about your father and his beloved dog Spot. You must have cared for him very well- 23 years of life! My Hachi passed away at 16 years, and I was so happy he lasted that long. I agree that animals have the purest of souls. The best Hachiko souvenirs are in Japan at Tokyu department store. There are many Hachiko images on the internet, but have never seen any actual photos. Thank you for sharing such a special and warm story! Your father and Spot shared a very special bond indeed.
Warm Regards, Vicki
Thank you for your quick reply. I have never responded to anything like this before. I thought at first it did not go through. Sooo, I typed it again. I’m so sorry for sending twice. Do you know how I could sent for a souvenir of Hachiko. I live in Maryland, in the United States.
This morning I lit a candle and had a moment of silence for dear Hachi who passed away on this date in 1935. I feel you are very happy now Hachi with your owner and dearest friend. Love you
I recently saw a youtube about Thor the Akita whose owner died and how everyday he goes on the same walk he and his owner went on. Akita’s are very devoted.
Hachiko’s faithfulness represents all animals- worldwide and throughout time. He was celebrated by a broad and enthusiastic audience of that time period, but there are “Hachi’s” all over the world who honor owners with their everlasting devotion. That’s why his story resonates with so many!
Hello Ms. Wong,
Thank you for a wonderful blog. I somehow came across Hachi while surfing the web. I immediately fell in love with this little guy. I have purchased and watched both the American and Japanese versions and have purchased numerous books to learn everything I can about this wonderful, caring, loyal, devoted dog. I simply can’t enough of his great little buddy.
I have 2 rescue dogs (13 years old and 3 years old) that I look at completely different now. I treat them as companions and friends instead of dogs that “belong” to me.
My friend and I have also made plans to take a week long trip to Japan to pay my respects to the statue and get as much Hachi merchandise I can find. If you hear of anything new from Hachi, please update us as soon as possible.
Hi Jang Kim!
I’m so glad you enjoy this blog. I wanted someplace to provide detailed information about Hachiko, and for individuals to share their thoughts about Hachi and their own animals also!
Rescue dogs are the best! So happy that you adopted both little critters and they are your friends too. That’s a concept that was important to convey with “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale”. Dogs have emotional intelligence and deserve to be respected.
As for Hachi items, I visited Shibuya last October and was delighted to find an entire section of Hachiko themed merchandise at the Tokyu department store! It’s adjacent to the Hachiko statue area. There’s tons of adorable Hachi items- from stationary to stuffed animals and even colorful hand towels. Enjoy!!
Best, Vicki
If anyone is interested, this is the site that sells a Hachi enamel pin:
https://www.giantrobot.com/collections/buttons/products/giant-robot-hachi-enamel-pin-1
It was out of stock for a while, but when I saw that they had it again, I ordered one and recently received it. The pin is much cuter than the picture on the website. It really made me happy when I opened the package and saw it. I am so pleased!
I just ordered my Hachi Pin!! Thanks for the link.
Thanks Ellen, I have just seen the Hachi enamel badge, there is also a material patch available with the same design. These will make excellent presents for Hachi lovers!
Hello- the book written by shizuko koster says that Hatchio has injured /broken leg by dog catchers and could hardly walk. If that is true why was it not shown on the autopsy. And if he was still famous at the end why was he in such a sorry physical state. It is a story that is very emotional and sad-and compelling-I only wish I had been around to save him.